School Safety Policies
Our office has a number of safety and security support services for our schools.
Fire Safety Policies
Security Training – The Office of School Safety (OSS) has a comprehensive security training program. The training is designed to provide critical information necessary for the proper performance of security duties in Philadelphia public schools and facilities. School Safety Officers must complete 4 weeks of initial training and 24 hours of staff development annually.
Employee Photo IDs – All Philadelphia School District employees are required to have School District photo IDs. Photo IDs are taken Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm at 440 N. Broad St., 1st floor, Room 1174.
Mobile Metal Detector Operations – The OSS organizes teams of security personnel who, at the request of the school principal, will conduct unannounced screening of all students. Principals should contact the School Safety Supervisor for their region to request a mobile metal detector screening.
School Safety Support Services – The School Safety Support Services Unit (215-400-6000) is responsible for monitoring all Philadelphia public schools. Additionally, this office develops the system-wide specifications for security equipment installed in school including alarms and closed circuit TV systems. Dispatch also takes after-hours emergency notifications of property damage, vandalism, utility interruption, or threat for external conditions and notifies appropriate Philadelphia School District personnel.
Incident Desk – OSS maintains the Incident Desk. All schools are required to report incidents and misconduct to the Incident Desk (215-400-6100). This data is used to identify trends in student behavior and to identify schools in need of additional security resources.
Law Enforcement Liaison – The Chief Safety Executive acts as the official representative of the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of School Safety to external law enforcement agencies including but not limited to the Philadelphia Police Department, university police departments, Philadelphia Courts, and Homeland Security Agencies.